Family comes together, hosts fundraiser for two men found dead in home near Richards & Auer

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MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It has been one week since police discovered two bodies in a home near Richards and Auer in Milwaukee, and we're learning the two men died as a result of stab wounds. The son of one of the victims remains in jail, though he hasn't been charged in connection with the men's deaths.

Alfonso Martinez

The man in custody is 26-year-old Alphonso Martinez -- the son and nephew of the men found dead in the home.

The family is grieving and overwhelmed, but they say at the same time, they're working on forgiveness.

"It was kind of a shock when it happened. We were not prepared for it at all," Alfonso Martinez Jr.'s brother, Angel Martinez said.

This past weekend, the family laid Alfonso Martinez Sr. and Manuel Martinez to rest.

Their bodies were found one week ago in a home near Richards and Auer. Police say they died as a result of stab wounds, and that they had been dead for some time.

"We're all dealing with it in our own way. Some better than others, you know, but we're all working at being there for one another, helping them overcome the grieving process. It just takes time for each person, you know," Angel Martinez said.

Alfonso Martinez Jr. is awaiting a competency examination. He's in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail.

A criminal complaint filed against Martinez says a citizen contacted Milwaukee police on December 1st, requesting a welfare check on her neighbors.

An officer spoke with the citizen, who explained she hadn’t seen her neighbors in days — with that citizen telling police it was unusual one of the neighbors hadn’t been outside to walk his dog. The complaint says the witness told police she had noticed the front door of the home was open for three days, and loud music was coming from the home.

The neighbor told police one of the people who lived in the home, Alfonso Martinez, has mental health issues.

The officer called for backup, and another officer arrived on scene. Then, the complaint says these two officers approached the home, knocking on the door.

When they didn’t receive a response at the front door, the complaint says the officers walked around to the rear of the home, and after not receiving a response at the rear door, an officer entered into the foyer area and observed what appeared to be a stack of magazines on the stove, smoldering. When the officer announced his presence, the complaint says he heard a loud rustling sound from within the home.

The officer fled the home, running back toward the front of the home.

As he was running, the officer observed Martinez shirtless, holding a large butcher knife with the bladed part in a downward position, saying “I’m going to kill you,” according to the complaint.

The officer yelled at the other officer to run, as Martinez, with the butcher knife in his hand, began to chase the officers, saying “I’m going to kill you.” The complaint says Martinez chased the officers around vehicles parked in the area.

Eventually, Martinez dropped the knife, and police were able to take him into custody.

Martinez's mother says he has mental health issues and has been in and out of psychiatric care. She says she tried to have him committed to a mental health center two weeks ago.

"I know he didn't mean to, for whatever happened, to happen. He loves his dad. He loves his uncle. I know he's forgiven. It's gonna take time for the family to forgive him," Martinez's mother Shanon Schroeder said.

On Monday, December 8th, a fundraiser was held for the family. Money was raised to help with funeral costs and Christmas gifts.

Shanon Schroeder says she hopes with time the family can heal and move forward.

"Just wish the best for everybody and for Alfonso to get the help that he needs," Schroeder said.

Again -- Alfonso Martinez isn't yet facing any homicide charges.

The family has set up a fund for those who would like to offer a donation. Donations can be made to the "Martinez Family Fund" at any U.S. Bank branch.